"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the person of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Annointed to Preach Good News!

Today's Reading:Genesis 18:16-19:38Luke 4:1-30Psalms 7:10-17Click on Text Link to Read OnlineFocus Verses:Luke 4:18-2118 "The
Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good
news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." 20 Then
he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down.
The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21 and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

Insight:
Jesus
came preaching the good news, which had been promised and foretold by
the prophet Isaiah. It was good news of healing, freedom, justice, and
restoration. More than merely spiritual, philosophical, or religious,
Jesus came to bring truth and deliverance that would bring about real
change, recovery, and hope in the real world.

This good
news was not just for Israel, but for all people everywhere. When the
people of Nazareth rejected Jesus, he reminded them that they were not
the first to reject someone sent by God. In fact, the abuse and
rejection of the prophets was typical in their history. They became
outraged when he pointed out scriptural examples of non-Jews who,
unlike them, were quicker to recognize God's power and truth.

Response and Action:
I
recognize Jesus as good news. He is the hope of salvation. He brings
forgiveness and restoration. He offers freedom from oppression and
bondage. He is the proof of God's love and favor toward humanity. I will
embrace the good news that Jesus embodies. My faith and hope are in
him.

Not only will I receive the good news, I will
commit myself to joining Jesus in preaching and living the good news of
God. As a follower of Jesus, I must commit myself to bring peace,
deliverance, health, justice, life, truth, and freedom to the world
around me. To embrace Christ Jesus is to embrace his agenda for the
world.

O God, you are holy and
loving. Your love and holiness have been gloriously lived out on earth
through Christ Jesus. Thank you for the good news Jesus has brought to
the whole world. Help me to follow in his steps and to walk in the
power of his Spirit, that I might live and preach the same good news.
Help me to be an active agent and living witness of the freedom,
restoration, and hope that are in Christ Jesus. May your kingdom come,
and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.Spiritual Formation Verses:Romans 10:14-1514
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how
can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can
they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”Resources:Kingdom Come: How Jesus Wants to Change the Worldby Allen Mitsuo Wakabayashi

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About Me

I serve as the lead pastor with Valley Christian Church in Lakeville, MN and publish two blogs – Altered Faces (Faith, Humor, Life, and the Arts) and Useful Breath (a daily journal for Bible readers). You can contact me through my website which also has information about my music and ministry.